Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has paid a special tribute to former Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, during the party's National Delegates Conference in Kumasi. The conference took place at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Saturday, October 3, 2026. In his address, Bawumia recognised Chairman Wontumi's dedicated service and sacrifice to the NPP over the years.
Chairman Wontumi is currently being held at Nsawam Medium Security Prison, but Bawumia chose to credit his long-standing role in building the NPP. Bawumia stated that Chairman Wontumi's years of service and commitment to the party will always be recognised and deeply appreciated. The tribute was part of a broader round of tributes to figures who have shaped the party. Other notable figures recognised included Acting National Chairman Danquah Smith Buttey and National Chairman Stephen Ayesu Ntim.
The National Delegates Conference was convened primarily to elect new national executives and consider proposed amendments to the party's constitution as it positions itself for the 2028 general election. The choice of Kumasi, a traditional stronghold of the NPP, underscored the significance of the event to the party's grassroots. Bawumia's remarks set the tone for a conference aimed at projecting unity and forward momentum.
Former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo were also recognised for their respective contributions to the NPP's history. The conference comes after the NPP's 2024 general election defeat, and Bawumia's leadership is seen as a move to regroup and reorganise the party. The event was attended by NPP delegates and other party officials.
As part of the conference, delegates approved a constitutional amendment making Dr Mahamudu Bawumia the party's leader. The change means the NPP's elected presidential candidate will now serve as party leader, replacing the previous arrangement that gave the role to the National Chairman. This move is expected to shape the party's future and direction.
The NPP National Delegates Conference is a significant event in the party's calendar, and this year's gathering was marked by tributes to party stalwarts and the election of new executives. The party is looking to make a strong comeback in the 2028 general election, and Bawumia's leadership is seen as a key factor in this effort.
The conference also highlighted the NPP's commitment to recognising and honouring its dedicated members and leaders. Chairman Wontumi's tribute is a testament to the party's appreciation for its loyal members, even those who are no longer actively involved in party affairs. The event concluded with a renewed sense of unity and purpose within the party.
Key points
- Dr Bawumia pays special tribute to Chairman Wontumi for his dedicated service and sacrifice to the NPP.
- The NPP National Delegates Conference elects new national executives and considers proposed amendments to the party's constitution.
- Dr Bawumia becomes NPP leader after constitutional amendment, with the elected presidential candidate now serving as party leader.
